(AMELIA ISLAND, Fla.) – Omni Amelia Island Resort & Spa – the oceanfront destination nestled on 1,350 acres at the tip of a barrier island off the Northeast Florida coast – announces the grand reopening of its acclaimed Oak Marsh Golf Course following a comprehensive renovation carried out by Beau Welling Design.
Scheduled to officially reopen for resort guests and club members only on May 16, the overarching goal of the $7.4 million renovation from Welling and his team was to protect the architectural feel of Pete Dye’s original 1972 creation. Additional objectives were to modernize the layout to meet the requirements of today’s game brought on by technological advancements in equipment, enhance the aesthetic attributes of the 18, and provide a high-quality and consistent playing experience.
All the greens on Oak Marsh are now rebuilt and regrassed with TifEagle Bermudagrass. The layout’s fairways, tee areas, rough and green collars now feature Bimini Bermudagrass. All the bunkers on the 6,471-yard layout were rebuilt and repositioned as needed. New drain pipes, liners and sand will make for more consistent playing conditions from these hazards. The tee areas are all renovated and will utilize the “ribbon-tee” concept creating opportunities for nearly unlimited tee placements.
Dan Surette, CSO, Omni Hotels & Resorts; Robert Stanfield, SVP Operations, Omni Hotels & Resorts; Jonathan Bridge, Director of Golf, Omni Amelia Island Resort & Spa; Theo Schofield, Managing Director, Omni Amelia Island Resort & Spa; Beau Welling, Founder & CEO, Beau Welling Design; Spencer Cody, Corporate Director – Club & Golf Operations, Omni Hotels & Resorts; Michelle Valle, Director, Resort Marketing, Omni Amelia Island Resort & Spa
Additional work expanded the native areas to enhance the overall aesthetic quality of the layout and to improve the turf growing conditions. Rounding out the renovation details, the course irrigation system was improved, and the driving range tees and landing areas were upgraded with new hitting mats incorporated. The existing cart paths were also replaced as part of the project scope.
“Our celebrated Oak Marsh is now even better and provides one of the great golf course experiences in both Florida and the U.S.,” says Theo Schofield, Managing Director, Omni Amelia Island Resort & Spa. “Beau Welling and his team are fantastic to work with as well as ideal to maintain Pete Dye’s original concept while modernizing the layout to be enjoyed by our resort guests and club members for decades to come.”
“Our team is incredibly excited about this renovation of Oak Marsh. We were very mindful to preserve Pete Dye’s strategy and design intent as well as elevating the playing experience for today’s golfer,” says Welling. “We have such a great relationship with the Omni team at Amelia Island, and we hope the overall aesthetic improvements, coupled with Amelia Island’s natural beauty, will truly showcase how special Oak Marsh is.”
The renovation of Oak Marsh joins Little Sandy, the resort’s unique and entertaining 10-hole, par-3 course as well as its accompanying 18-hole putting course. Both are additionally created by Beau Welling Design. Open to resort guests and members of The Amelia Island Club, Little Sandy features holes ranging from 30 to 125 yards. Playing through a picturesque lowland oak marsh habitat, the course seeks to provide a traditional, yet fun-focused golf experience for all ages and abilities.
Omni Amelia Island Resort & Spa offers oceanfront accommodations with unparalleled views of the Atlantic Ocean, world-class resort pools, championship golf and a full-service spa. With 3.5 miles of pristine beach, Amelia Island’s preserved marshlands and award-winning golf, guests never run out of adventure at this one-of-a-kind destination.
About Omni Amelia Island Resort & Spa
Omni Amelia Island Resort & Spa is Florida’s award-winning island destination. Recognized for offering a luxury resort experience in perfect harmony with nature, the oceanfront retreat, located just northeast of Jacksonville, Fla., is nestled between the Atlantic Ocean, lush marshlands and the Intracoastal Waterway. Situated on 1,350-acres, the property includes 402 oceanfront guest rooms and suites; the largest pool deck in Northeast Florida including tiered lounge seating, an adults-only infinity edge pool, a family friendly pool, kids’ splash area, two hot tubs, and fire features, all boasting spectacular Atlantic views; 80,000 square feet of flexible meeting space; and nine culinary options ranging from casual to fine dining. Rich in recreational amenities, the resort also offers three-and-a-half miles of wide, uncrowded beach; 36 holes of championship golf and a new 10-hole golf course; 23 Har-Tru® tennis courts; seven pickleball courts; award- winning recreation programs; a shopping village with restaurants, boutiques and a nature-inspired signature spa; a state-of-the-art fitness center; kids camps; and numerous activities for adventurers including kayaking, Segway tours and seven miles of paved trails. The Villas of Amelia Island feature one-, two- and three-bedroom villas with ocean, golf or resort views. Omni Amelia Island Resort & Spa offers authentic, genuine guest experiences with AAA Four-Diamond service and the expectations of the Omni brand. For more information on the Omni Amelia Island Resort, call 1-800-The-Omni or visit www.omnihotels.com/ameliaisland. To engage with the resort, visit www.facebook.com/OmniAmeliaIsland and @omniameliaisland on Instagram.
